A Veterans Day ceremony was held in Pearl River to honor a resident who died while serving in Iraq.

Attendees paid tribute to U.S. Army Capt. Phillip Esposito who died in Iraq in 2005.

"He's a member of the one percenters. Less than 1% of the American people join the military. So that speaks testament itself by anyone who joins," said Daniel Davin, the Commander for American Legion Post 329.

The veteran organization unveiled a plaque for Esposito in a park that sits in the heart of downtown.

“The short life that he lived struck me as a very accomplished young man that was tragically cut down in the prime of his life,” Davin added.

Esposito and Louis Allen, from Orange County, were killed by a fellow soldier in an alleged fragging incident.

The soldier accused of being responsible, Alberto Martinez, was acquitted of charges in 2008.

Esposito grew up in Pearl River before moving to Suffern. He graduated from Albertus Magnus High School in Bardonia and then went on to West Point.

“So committed to his school, so committed to others," said Dr. Deborah O'Connell, who was Esposito's high school biology teacher.

“He made an incredible mark here in Pearl River, in our country and in the world, and I feel blessed for having known him,” she added.